Real-world samples added to Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 first impressions

We've just updated our first impressions review of the Panasonic Lumix GM1 with a gallery of real-world sample images. Panasonic's latest G-series camera underscores the 'Micro' in Micro Four Thirds as one of the smallest interchangeable lens cameras ever brought to market. Despite its size, it still offers a 16 megapixel Four Thirds sensor, 3.0-inch touch screen, and full suite of manual exposure controls. Does its image quality in the field measure up? See for yourself.

Comments

Just tried out the constant preview on my newly arrived GM1. When set to "on" and I change either aperture or SS, there is a clicking noise which sounds like it's coming from the lens. Do other people also find this? Is it some mechanism necessary to create the constant preview each time I change an exposure setting? Is it creating extra wear on the camera which it otherwise wouldn't if I didn't turn constant preview on?

This camera is really tempting, but my only concern is maximum shutter speed of 1/50 when using the flash(would have like at least 1/240, but even 1/100 could have possibly worked. Maybe the GM2, GF7(if they made it a little smaller) or similar mode from Olympus would offer it.

Thank you preview for posting high ISO pics in more real world conditions where they would be used, instead of the 1/1000th shutter speeds at F4.0 from a couple years. It is much appreciated, as a street night shooter I am.

Maybe Richard can answer this. It is true that much of the size reduction is due to the smaller shutter mechanism and that if/when Panasonic goes with only an electric shutter weight and possibly size might be reduced even more?

Richard may have more to say but it seems to me that the camera can't get any smaller because of the lens mount. As it is, the body is only slightly taller than the mount itself. I can't see an all electronic shutter making a noticeable difference weight-wise either, the new shutter unit in the GM1 is pretty light as it is.

I don't think most people would want the body any smaller (it's around Canon S95 size but thicker). Plus the LCD and controls on the back pretty much set the lower usable size.

They probably could make it thinner with a fixed lens and leaf shutter rather than focal plane shutter. A fixed prime lens would be very pocketable but perhaps not much different in size to the Ricoh GR or GRD4 (with a larger shutter).

The rear question is how much thinner that hypothetical camera would be than the GM1 + 20mm or 14mm pancake prime. Perhaps half an inch (12mm)? Is it worth it? I suspect Panasonic think not.

To match beautifully with this Lumix GM1. Panasonic should updated their pancake lenses, as their lenses are aim for Lumix G series which is bigger in size. I would like to have updated existing fixed lens with focal lens (20,14 or smaller) to keep it small.

I can't believe how small the thing is! Imagine carring it in one pocket with a couple pancake lenses in another. With the 20mm F/1.7 it would be a great P&S camera to compliment a different micro four thirds camera.

The body could be a good deal bigger and it would still seem more pocketable as long as the lens retracted flush (or almost).

The rx100 is probably close to the limits of camera size to sensor size when a zoom lens is involved, but seeing things like the Ricoh GR keep giving me hope that an m4/3 fixed lens camera similar to the rx100 will be possible soon. Just make it longer and taller if needed to get it thinner! Plenty of people are slipping 5 inch smartphones in their jeans.

I cant wait for it to get a Red Dot and cost three times as much!Also for the GM-2 with hotshoe and matching 30mm OVF.Maybe use the tripod mount for an OVF and shoot sideways or upside down?Perhaps Bluetooth EVF Google Glass?

I just got my GM1 and tried the constant preview. When I have it turned on and change either the aperture or SS, there is a clicking noise which sounds like it's coming from the lens. Do other people find this? Is it normal?

Really? I was prepared to be unimpressed until I saw some of the image samples. This seems like a wonderful m4/3 camera - tiny size, choice of excellent lenses, a sensor that appears to do a better job with noise than my GH3 & EM5, and at a pretty decent price. What do you think the M1 needs to put it over the top? Better styling? IQ? Stabilization?

I would have liked a hotshoe, and I think the dial on top for focus mode is a wasted opportunity. If those were both sorted, I'd have a hard time keeping the credit card in my pocket, but as is, it tempers my enthusiasm. Maybe nit picky, but I have no urgent need to upgrade.